Consultation in-studioThere is no charge for the first thirty minutes of consultation time. Thereafter a charge will be assessed for each fifteen-minute time increment at the studio hourly rate. Consultation may involve an oral cost estimate and or assessment of object’s materials, general condition, age, etc. Notes may also be taken to aid in preparation of condition report and treatment proposal. Condition report fee is due, in addition to consultation fee (if applicable), for objects left at HCS. No objects will be accepted without remittance of appropriate fees. All consultations are by appointment only.

Consultation on-siteTime will be billed portal to portal at the studio hourly rate. Consultation fee and condition report/treatment proposal fee must be remitted prior to or at the time of the consultation depending upon arrangement with HCS associate.

Condition report/treatment proposalAmount of time needed may vary based on object(s). Average time is between 1 to 1½ hours for a proposal which includes examination and testing. Billed at the studio hourly rate.

Studio hourly rate*

$120.00

InsuranceAll items must be insured while at the HCS studio. Insurance may be provided upon request and may be subject to value of object. Insurance provided by owner of property must include a waiver of subrogation.

ConveyanceHCS associates are available for transporting smaller objects of low value. There will be a fee for this service which will be based on time spent driving from the studio to the site and the return trip. Billed at the studio hourly rate. Larger or multiple objects as well as items of higher value should be conveyed by movers/art handlers. Please do not arrange for items to be delivered to HCS without making prior arrangements with a HCS associate.

Approval of treatment proposalThe treatment proposal is a contract that will specify the manner and type of work to be performed. It will also specify terms. A signed copy of the treatment proposal, accompanied by an advance of fifty-percent of the total treatment cost is due to schedule work. Scheduling will be confirmed only upon receipt of advance monies. If a signed copy of the proposal and remittance of advance monies is not received by HCS within thirty days from the date report was mailed, a storage fee of ten dollars per day will be charged, beginning on the thirty-first day. Storage fees may be waived if other arrangements are made within the thirty-day grace period.

Treatment scheduling and time of completionThe amount of time it takes to complete a treatment will vary. Once a signed copy of the treatment proposal and advance monies are received, the object will be placed in a treatment queue which will vary in length of time depending upon the backlog of each HCS associate. On average the wait is approximately six to twelve months long. Expedited treatment may be available on a case by case basis upon discussion with the HCS associate; a slightly higher hourly rate may be charged for this service.

Final paymentClients will be notified once treatment is complete and invoiced for the remaining balance of the treatment costs. Final payment must be received by the appropriate HCS associate prior to or on the day of pick up of the object unless other arrangements are made.

Storage fees for completed treatmentsCompleted work not removed from HCS studios within thirty-days will be assessed a ten dollar per day storage charge beginning on the thirty-fist day. Storage fees may be waived if other arrangements are made during the treatment phase or the grace period.

Failure to fulfill terms and conditions of treatment proposal After one-year of completion of treatment or storage of property, monies owed to HCS associates will be collected by consigning property to a licensed auction house. Proceeds from the sale will be deducted from the amount owed HCS (treatment costs, storage fees, other costs associated with consigning property) and the balance will be forwarded to the owner of the property. This action may be waived if other arrangements are made during grace period.

*Studio hourly rate is subject to change. Contact us for current rate.